The p53 Transcription Factor as Therapeutic Target in Cancer

The p53 tumor suppressor protein is a transcription factor that responds to cellular stress. p53 regulates growth arrest, apoptosis, senescense, angiogenesis and DNA repair, mainly by activating and/or repressing transcription of specific target genes. Its central role in tumor development is supported by the frequent mutation or loss of the p53 gene in human tumors of different tissue origin. Furthermore, animal models have underscored p53’s key role in tumorigenesis and pointed to p53-induced apoptosis as a major mechanism for tumor suppression in vivo. Due to its role in the evolution of tumors and pivotal function in regulation of apoptosis, the p53 pathway is an important target for conventional and novel cancer therapy.